Endoscope with imaging probe

Abstract

An endoscope includes an imaging probe, positioned at the distal end of the elongated member; a pivot mechanism mechanically coupled to the imaging probe; and an actuating assembly extending through the passage of the elongated member and coupled to the pivoting mechanism. The imaging probe includes an objective lens, an imager positioned to receive an image from the objective lens, and a light source for illuminating a target. Upon actuation of the actuating mechanism, the pivot mechanism rotates the imaging probe relative to a point at the distal end of the elongated member.

1. An endoscope comprising:
 an elongated member having a longitudinal axis and a passage extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the elongated member;  
 an imaging probe positioned at the distal end of the elongated member and including: 
 an objective lens;  
 an imager positioned to receive an image from the objective lens; and  
 a light source for illuminating a target;  
 
 a pivot mechanism; and  
 an actuating assembly extending through the passage of the elongated member and coupled to the pivot mechanism, the actuator assembly including an actuator, wherein upon actuation of the actuator, the pivot mechanism rotates the imaging probe relative to a point at the distal end of the elongated member;  
 wherein the imaging probe is detachably secured to the pivot mechanism and configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the elongated member relative to a stationary handle at the proximal end of the elongated member when applying a force perpendicular to the actuator;  
 wherein the elongated member includes a conduit having a first port at the proximal end of the elongated member and attached to a fluid source and a second port at the distal end of the elongated member and positioned to discharge fluid on the objective lens.  
 
     
     
       2. The endoscope of  claim 1  wherein the pivoting mechanism includes an arm that swivels about the point. 
     
     
       3. The endoscope of  claim 1  wherein the actuating assembly includes a chain located at the distal end of the elongated member and a sprocket is coupled to the chain. 
     
     
       4. The endoscope of  claim 1  wherein the actuating assembly includes a push rod assembly. 
     
     
       5. The endoscope of  claim 4  wherein the push rod assembly includes a pinion and a rack, the rack coupled to a pinion and extending substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the elongated member. 
     
     
       6. The endoscope of  claim 1  wherein the actuating mechanism includes a rotatable ring positioned at the proximal end of the elongated member. 
     
     
       7. The endoscope of  claim 1  wherein the conduit further comprising a third port at the proximal end of the elongated member and connected to an air source. 
     
     
       8. An endoscope comprising:
 an elongated member having a longitudinal axis and a passage extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the elongated member;  
 an imaging probe positioned at the distal end of the elongated member and including: 
 an objective lens;  
 an imager positioned to receive an image from the objective lens;  
 a light source for illuminating a target;  
 a transmitter; and  
 a first power source electrically connected to the transmitter;  
 
 a pivot mechanism mechanically coupled to the imaging probe;  
 a transceiver located at the proximal end of the elongated member that receives signals from the transmitter and transmits the signals to a receiver that is external to the endoscope;  
 an actuating assembly extending through the passage of the elongated member and coupled to the pivoting mechanism, wherein upon actuation of the actuating mechanism, the pivot mechanism rotates the imaging probe relative to a point at the distal end of the elongated member.  
 
     
     
       9. The endoscope of  claim 8  further comprising a second power source positioned at the proximal end of the elongated member and electrically connected to the transceiver. 
     
     
       10. The endoscope of  claim 8  further comprising an angle position sensor configured to provide information to a camera control unit to maintain a right side up image while the imaging probe rotates about the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       11. An endoscope comprising:
 an elongated member having a longitudinal axis and a passage extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the elongated member;  
 an imaging probe positioned at the distal end of the elongated member, the imaging probe including: 
 an objective lens;  
 an imager positioned to receive an image from the objective lens;  
 a transmitter electrically connected to the imager;  
 a light source for illuminating a target; and  
 a first power source for supplying power to the transmitter and the light source;  
 
 a transceiver located at the proximal end of the elongated member, the transceiver receiving signals from the transmitter and transmitting the signals to a receiver external to the endoscope.  
 
     
     
       12. The endoscope of  claim 11  further comprising a second power source positioned at the proximal end of the elongated member and electrically connected to the transceiver. 
     
     
       13. The endoscope of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a pivot mechanism mechanically coupled to the imaging probe; and  
 an actuating assembly extending through the passage of the elongated member and coupled to the pivoting mechanism, wherein upon actuation of the actuating mechanism, the pivot mechanism rotates the imaging probe relative to a point at the distal end of the elongated member.  
 
     
     
       14. The endoscope of  claim 13  wherein the actuating mechanism includes a rotatable ring positioned at the proximal end of the elongated member. 
     
     
       15. The endoscope of  claim 13  wherein the pivoting mechanism includes an arm that swivels about the point. 
     
     
       16. The endoscope of  claim 13  wherein the actuating assembly includes a chain located at the distal end of the elongated member and a sprocket is coupled to the chain. 
     
     
       17. The endoscope of  claim 13  wherein the actuating assembly includes a push rod assembly. 
     
     
       18. The endoscope of  claim 17  wherein the push rod assembly includes a pinion and a rack, the rack coupled to a pinion and extending substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the elongated member. 
     
     
       19. The endoscope of  claim 11  wherein the elongated member includes a conduit having a first port at the proximal end of the elongated member and attached to a fluid source and a second port at the distal end of the elongated member and positioned to discharge fluid on the objective lens. 
     
     
       20. The endoscope of  claim 19  wherein the conduit further comprising a third port at the proximal end of the elongated member and connected to an air source. 
     
     
       21. The endoscope of  claim 11  wherein the imaging probe is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the elongated member relative to a stationary handle located at the proximal end of the elongated member. 
     
     
       22. The endoscope of  claim 21  further comprising an angle position sensor configured to provide information to a camera control unit to maintain a right side up image while the imaging probe rotates about the longitudinal axis.